CHAPTER XVIII.
OF THE HOLY FATHERS.
ONSIDER the lively examples of the Holy Fathers, in whom true perfection and religion shone; and thou shalt see how little, and almost nothing, we do now in these days.
Alas! what is our life if it be compared with theirs?
The Saints and friends of Christ served the Lord in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness, in labour and weariness, in watchings and fastings, in prayer and holy meditations, in many persecutions and reproaches.
2. O how many and grievous tribulations suffered the Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, Virgins, and all the rest that endeavoured to follow the steps of Christ! For they hated their lives in this world, that they might keep them unto life eternal.
O how strict and self-renouncing a life led those Holy Fathers in the wilderness! How long and grievous temptations suffered they! How often were they assaulted by the enemy! What frequent and fervent prayers offered they to God! What rigorous abstinence did they use! How great zeal and care had they of their spiritual advancement! How strong a combat had they for overcoming their lusts! What pure and upright intentions kept they towards God!
In the day they laboured, and in the night they
